Photoprotection of parenteral nutrition enhances advancement of minimal enteral nutrition in preterm infants

BACKGROUND Light exposure of TPN generates peroxides which induce vasoconstriction. Mesenteric vasoconstriction may affect feeding tolerance. Since photo-protection of TPN decreases peroxide generation, we hypothesized that shielding TPN from light may improve the establishment of minimal enteral nutrition in preterm infants. METHODS Infants were randomized to TPN being light exposed (LE) or protected (LP) from birth. Feeding volumes were monitored through 7 days of life in those initiated on minimal enteral nutrition (MEN). Comparisons between LP and LE were performed by ANOVA. RESULTS Daily increments and cumulative volumes of enteral feeds (mL/kg birth weight/d) during the first week of life were significantly higher in LP (n = 18) than LE (n = 19). CONCLUSION Photo-protection of parenteral nutrition enhances advancement of MEN in preterm infants. Further research is needed to substantiate these findings and determine whether this confers long-term nutritional advantages.